Table of Contents
When the rod itself becomes so corroded that it can no longer do its job, the tank soon rusts out, leaks and needs replacement. However, if you replace your water heater anode rod before it fails, about every five years, you can double the life of your water heater.
How often should you replace anode rod in hot water heater?
Most water heater manufacturers will recommend inspecting the condition of the sacrificial anode every one (1) to three (3) years and replacing it when it has been consumed more than 50%. This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener.
How long do water heater anode rods last?
When there’s no sacrificial metal left on the anode rod, your water heater tank can rust out, eventually causing it to burst. Anode rods generally can last about three to five years but it really depends mostly on the quality of your water and how much water travels through your water heater.
When should I replace my anode rod?
As a general rule, anode rods need to be replaced about every 4-5 years. However, this can vary depending on how much water flows through your gas water heater or electric water heater. Very large families, for example, may use a lot more hot water, and may need more frequent anode rod replacement intervals.
How long will a powered anode rod last?
How Long do Powered Anode Rods Last? Generally, an anode rod can last three years to five years. However, the lifespan depends on various factors, such as the quality of the water and how long water travels in the water heater tank.
How much does it cost to replace an anode rod?
An anode rod costs about $50. Some homeowners may feel comfortable replacing it themselves. If not, call a professional plumber, who can assist. The cost of having it replaced professionally may be around $250 or $300.
How often should you flush a water heater?
Tip: To maintain the upkeep of your water heater, flush your water heater every six months or so. If you have harder water, or water that contains more minerals, you may want to flush it more often.
How do I know if my hot water heater anode is bad?
A bad anode rod can cause discolored water, a rotten egg smell, air in the lines and intermittent hot water. The anode rod protects the tank of electric water heaters & signs it should be replaced are a rotten egg smell, no heat & strange sounds.
How often should Boat anodes be replaced?
Why Anodes Need Replacing You should change your anode at least every 12 months or when it has corroded to half its original size to ensure it is working to its optimum level.
Is it OK to remove anode rod?
Yes, you can cut your sacrificial anode rod, whether it is magnesium or aluminum, to replace it. To do this, use a pair of gloves and a saw and cut as you remove the old anode.
How do you test an anode rod?
Open the spigot and drain a little water to relieve some pressure and heat inside the tank before opening the top for the anode rod. Next, go to the top of your water heater and look for a hex head bolt. If you don’t see the hex head, it’s likely built into your water heater system.
Are anode rods universal?
In most cases, water heater anode rods are universal. The only exceptions are : Buderus : They use another type of threading to install the magnesium anode. All other water heater brands use a regular magnesium anode with 3/4 ” NPT threads.
Which is better aluminum or magnesium anode rod?
For harder water an aluminum anode rod is the best choice for your heater and if you live in an area with soft water then a magnesium anode rod is your best choice. Aluminum anodes tend to be cheaper than magnesium anode rods. A magnesium rod will generally last less than an aluminum rod.
Is it worth changing anode rod in water heater?
When the rod itself becomes so corroded that it can no longer do its job, the tank soon rusts out, leaks and needs replacement. However, if you replace your water heater anode rod before it fails, about every five years, you can double the life of your water heater.
Can you run a water heater without an anode rod?
Without a working anode rod, your water heater tank will be vulnerable to rust, corrosion, and other damaging effects of chemicals and minerals in your water supply.
Are powered anode rods worth it?
Overall, there are quite a few advantages to using powered anode rods. They don’t degrade, prevent smelly water (by killing anaerobic bacteria that leads to that rotten egg smell), and protect your hot water heater from corrosive elements in the water. Probably the best powered anode rod today is made by Corro-Protec.
Should I replace my 15 year old water heater?
Anyway, you should consider replacing your water heater if it’s about 6-12+ years old and when you start running out of hot water faster. However, age and lack of hot water aren’t everything. You could have a 15-year-old water heater that works just fine and wouldn’t need replacing.
How much does a zinc anode rod cost?
This item Aluminum Zinc Water Heater Anode Rod; Outlet/Nipple Style (Brad White); 3/4 NPT x 48-inch; Stops Sulfur/Rotten Egg Smell (Solid) EZ-FLO 60296 45 in. Eastman Flexible Magnesium Anode Rod, Chrome Price $5785 $52.00$52.00 Shipping FREE Shipping. Details FREE Shipping. Details Sold By Water Connection Amazon.com.
What is the life expectancy of a water heater?
Factors that affect the life expectancy of a water heater: While many say 8 to 12 years is the expected life for a standard gas-powered water heater, this range can change and be very dependent on where you are located. The level of sediment in your tank affects the lifespan of your water heater.
